A key focus of the hugely popular Sappi Karkloof Classic MTB Festival is on catering for riders of all ages and abilities and the 20km aQuellé Family Ride of this year’s three day festival that takes place at Karkloof Country Club from 8-10 May is the perfect option for those who are new to the sport.
The Karkloof Night Race and Stihl Karkloof Enduro on Friday and Saturday pave the way for the festival’s busy third and final day’s action on Sunday which sees the staging of the 20km showdown as well as the 60km Sappi Karkloof Marathon, 40km aQuellé Half Marathon and 10km aQuellé Kids Ride.
The 20km aQuellé Family Ride of the 2015 Sappi Karkloof Classic MTB Festival is the ideal event for inexperienced mountain bikers seeking an outing in the Karkloof Valley’s magnificent valley without the difficulties of single track riding. // Photo credit: Anthony Grote/ Gameplan Media.
“The Sappi Karkloof Classic MTB Festival is a great weekend of mountain biking adventure for the entire family and takes place in one of (the #1 according to Bicycling Magazine SA?) the best mountain biking destinations in the country!” explains event director Stuart Berry.
“The 20km aQuellé Family Ride’s simple and beautiful course allows beginner riders of all ages and family groups to have a great day out in the Karkloof Valley while attempting a very manageable course,” he adds.
Rid of any testing obstacles, the 20km event is the ideal opportunity for those with a little MTB experience or sense of adventure to still enjoy a memorable day in the saddle and be a part of the action.
“The 20km route is principally along very manageable dirt roads, gravel and jeep tracks and so caters for beginner mountain bikers as well as those who don’t enjoy the technical nature of single track riding.
“The course also allows riders to experience the beauty of the Karkloof Valley, including great views of the magnificent Karkloof Falls, while completely their manageable ride,” says Berry.
Young and old will gather in their hundreds for the 20km aQuellé Family Ride of the 2015 Sappi Karkloof Classic MTB Festival on Sunday 10 May as the event’s manageable course and picturesque scenery once again offer participants a memorable day in the saddle. // Photo credit: Anthony Grote/ Gameplan Media.
Those who have tackled the pleasant outing previously can once again expect a very similar experience after the great success of last year’s route.
“We have enjoyed great support of the 20km Family Ride previously with very positive feedback regarding the course’s manageable and picturesque nature alike.
“With this in mind we haven’t made any significant alterations to the course ahead of this year’s festival and the friendly-staffed water tables will take care of the refreshment needs of young and old.
“We look forward to welcoming a large number of cyclists from in and around the Karkloof, Howick and Pietermaritzburg area and beyond to the event once more!”
The Family Ride gets underway at 09h30 on Sunday 10 May and with those interested in taking part encouraged to get their entry in early to book their spot on the start line while the first 500 entrants also set to qualify for a Sappi Karkloof Classic cap.
Riders and spectators can follow news and developments via the event’s Facebook page (Karkloof Mountain Bike Club) or on Twitter (@KarkloofMTB) while more information can also be found at www.karkloofmtb.co.za and entries can be submitted via www.roag.co.za.
